From 2023, Yayasan Tahija continued its humanitarian efforts through stakeholder-driven initiatives that contribute to Indonesia and the global community. One such initiative is a community-based mangrove protection and restoration program in Bangka and Belitung. As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia holds significant blue carbon potential—approximately 3.4 gigatons, or 17% of the global total. Coastal ecosystems like mangroves and seagrass meadows, which store 3 to 5 times more carbon than tropical forests, are central to this capacity. Healthy mangroves not only provide ecological benefits but also support the livelihoods of surrounding communities.

In partnership with Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), Yayasan Tahija launched the “Improving Local Community Livelihoods through Coastal Ecosystem Protection in Bangka Belitung Islands” program. Over six years, this initiative will be implemented in six pilot villages: Rebo, Kotawaringin, and Kota Kapur in Bangka Regency; Sungai Padang in Belitung Regency; and Gantung and Dendang in East Belitung Regency. The program combines mangrove conservation with alternative livelihood opportunities, such as non-timber mangrove-based enterprises.

On November 14, 2024, Mr. George S. Tahija, a Supervisory Board Member, and Mr. Trihadi Saptoadi, Chairman of the Executive Board of Yayasan Tahija, accompanied by key YKAN representatives, including Ms. Herlina Hartanto, Executive Director, and Mr. Muhammad Ilman, Director of the Indonesia Ocean Program, Mariski Nirwan, Coastal Resilience Senior manager and other staffs visited Kota Kapur Village, a coastal village vital to mangrove conservation and blue economy development. The team was inspired by the community’s dedication to preserving their mangrove ecosystems. The day concluded with the inauguration of a shared office with YKAN in Bangka.

The program was officially introduced to stakeholders during a launch event on November 15, 2025, in Tanjung Pinang. The event, opened by Edi Kurniadi, S.T., M.M., on behalf of the Acting Governor of Bangka Belitung, brought together government officials and community representatives. Six village heads and Bangka Belitung University signed Memorandums of Understanding to formalize their involvement.

Yayasan Tahija also acknowledged the commitment of Ms. Elly Gustina Rebuin, S.Si., M.M., Chair of the Provincial Mangrove Working Group, who will be a key partner in the project.